FRINGE: Tuesday 6/14 Update

I saw two shows tonight that were both amazing! First up was “Be My Thief” from Gideon Productions. Mac Rogers, the playwright and actor, does such great work integrating stories about relationships with weird, Fringey twists. In this case, there’s a sci-fi overlay to what originally appears to be a play about mental health.

As usual, Rogers and fellow castmembers Rebecca Comtois and Kristen Vaughn act with such precision and talent that you are left in awe of their natural ability. I would recommend sitting up close, though, as the air conditioning unit in the Art Academy classroom was loud and made it hard to hear some of the more subtle dialogue.

This story never goes where you think it’s going to and is a fun way to spend an hour. I highly recommend this – and anything else Rogers has ever written! Find more information about “Be My Thief” here.

Then… I saw “Rosegold.”

HOLY COW! Horror is hard to do well, especially theatrically. And it’s practically impossible when your production consists of one actor, a folding chair, a coffee thermos, a spotlight, and one very well timed light cue.

But somehow Donna Kay Yarborough manages to scare the bejeezus out of everyone in A402 with a simple, yet captivating story. She plays Jamie, who is giving her first share at an AA meeting. It’s a natural premise for a solo show and it works incredibly well. What makes it extra special, though, is Yarborough’s impeccable writing and magnificent acting performance.

This is now my favorite show this year. You have one more chance to see it (on Thursday night) so do what you can to get there and give this amazing talent a well-deserved sell-out. If I was available on Thursday night, I’d go back to see it again. Tickets are available here.

I’ve got one more available night at Fringe . . .so I’ll see you on Friday. But there’s lots more Fringing to do so check out the Cincinnati Fringe Festival website and go see some shows!